Joseph Parker Eyes Next Fight Soon: Usyk, Wardley, or Another Heavyweight Contender?

Joseph Parker, the former WBO heavyweight champion from New Zealand, is eager to secure his next big fight. With momentum on his side and a mandatory challenger status to Oleksandr Usyk’s WBO title, Parker is determined not to lose valuable time. The 33-year-old is balancing ambition with flexibility, knowing that in boxing, plans rarely unfold perfectly.

Learning from Setbacks and Staying Active

Parker is no stranger to disappointment or sudden changes. Earlier this year, his highly anticipated IBF title shot against Daniel Dubois collapsed when Dubois pulled out with illness during fight week. Instead of waiting for a rescheduled bout, Parker boldly chose to stay active, taking on the dangerous Martin Bakole—a fighter many heavyweights avoided.

That decision demonstrated Parker’s willingness to risk everything to keep his career moving forward. While many fighters would have opted to wait for a safer opportunity, Parker lived up to his mantra: “The show must go on.”

The Current Picture: Usyk or Plan B

Fast forward seven months, and Parker again finds himself juggling options. His top priority remains clear: a shot at Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning undisputed heavyweight champion. Parker is the WBO mandatory challenger, meaning he has a legal pathway to Usyk.

But there’s a catch—Usyk is dealing with reported injuries, including a troublesome back problem, which could delay his return. With uncertainty surrounding Usyk’s recovery, Parker refuses to sit idle. Instead, he has openly welcomed other top-ranked challengers.

Speaking recently, Parker confirmed:

“I’m hoping to lock in a fight very soon. I’m keen to fight Usyk, but if I can’t get him, anyone in the top five or ten in the world.”

This attitude keeps him relevant and active while maintaining pressure on Usyk’s camp.

Rumors of Fabio Wardley Clash

Among the alternative opponents being discussed is Fabio Wardley, the unbeaten British heavyweight with a record of 19-0-1 (18 KOs). Wardley has quickly built a reputation as a devastating puncher, capable of turning fights around with a single shot. His dramatic knockout of Justis Huni earlier this year highlighted his danger factor.

A fight between Parker vs. Wardley would generate significant interest. For Parker, victory would strengthen his world title claim, while for Wardley, defeating an ex-world champion would cement his position among the heavyweight elite.

However, this Plan B comes with risks. At 33, Parker cannot afford costly setbacks. A loss to Wardley could jeopardize his long-awaited shot at a world title.

The Shadow of Moses Itauma

While Wardley is one option, another rising force is Moses Itauma, the 19-year-old heavyweight prodigy touted as the future of the division. Backed by Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, Itauma is already being positioned as a potential challenger for Usyk down the line.

Parker, however, remains unfazed.

“Itauma is very talented. If Usyk continues to keep fighting, it could be a fight down the line. But I would love to test myself against Usyk first.”

This reflects Parker’s veteran confidence—he’s focused on Usyk now, while acknowledging that fresh threats are always emerging.

Usyk’s Injury Saga and WBO Scrutiny

The situation is complicated further by the WBO’s recent scrutiny of Usyk’s injury claims. While Usyk’s camp requested an extension for his mandatory defense due to his back issue, skepticism arose after a video surfaced online showing him dancing energetically at a concert.

This raised doubts about the seriousness of his injury. Parker’s promoter, David Higgins, was blunt in his reaction:

“I haven’t actually seen the medical evidence but you would think that a serious injury would prevent that sort of activity. In boxing, nothing surprises me.”

The WBO Championship Committee has since requested additional medical documentation from Usyk’s team. Until that review concludes, Parker remains in limbo—waiting, but also keeping his options open.

Why Staying Busy Matters for Parker

In boxing, inactivity can be as dangerous as defeat. Fighters lose sharpness, momentum, and public interest if they spend too long outside the ring. Parker understands this reality better than most.

By taking fights against dangerous opponents like Martin Bakole, and potentially Fabio Wardley, he shows a willingness to stay sharp. Each win enhances his credibility and bargaining power for the ultimate goal: another shot at world championship glory.

Parker’s Current Record and Standing

Parker’s professional record stands at 36-3 (24 KOs). His three defeats came against top-tier opponents: Anthony Joshua, Dillian Whyte, and Joe Joyce. Since those setbacks, Parker has rebuilt impressively, displaying renewed confidence, sharper technique, and improved conditioning.

His run of form places him as one of the leading contenders in the heavyweight division, alongside names like Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Jared Anderson. However, as the official WBO mandatory challenger, his pathway to Usyk remains the clearest.

The Bigger Picture: A Crowded Heavyweight Landscape

The heavyweight division is as stacked as ever. With Tyson Fury having fought Usyk in a unification showdown, Anthony Joshua plotting his next move, and young lions like Itauma and Anderson rising fast, Parker’s timing is crucial.

At 33, Parker is in the later stage of his prime. Another world title shot now could define his career legacy. A delay of one or two years, however, could make the road much tougher, as fresher challengers emerge.

Parker’s Calm Amid Chaos

What sets Parker apart is his composure. Whether dealing with collapsed fights, injury delays, or politics inside boxing organizations, he rarely loses his cool. Asked about Usyk’s viral dancing video, Parker smiled:

“Usyk is a good dancer. It was good to see him enjoying himself and having fun. If the WBO is investigating it, that’s what they’ve decided to do.”

Instead of frustration, Parker channels his energy into preparation. For him, the show must indeed go on.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

Joseph Parker’s next fight remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: he is determined to fight soon, whether it’s against Oleksandr Usyk, Fabio Wardley, or another top contender. His flexibility, resilience, and willingness to face dangerous opponents keep him relevant in a competitive heavyweight scene.

If Parker does land Usyk next, it would be a career-defining moment. If not, taking on a threat like Wardley could be the perfect stepping stone. Either way, Parker is proving that he won’t wait passively for opportunities—he’ll chase them.

For fans, the message is simple: expect to see Joseph Parker back in the ring very soon, and expect him to bring the same determination and courage that have defined his career.